Sardine
$$, Outdoor Seating, Full Bar, Cocktail, Logan Square
"The perfect munchie to have while sipping on an Octli tonic."
ChefMichael Simmons
Chicago
My Venues
- Rootstock
- 954 N California Ave
- Chicago, IL
Accolades
- Chefs to WatchTime Out Chicago
- ChefsFeed WinnerOne of the Best Things to Eat in Chicago
Where I Go Out
Korean barbecue
$$, Korean, North Center
"Great panchan and killer 'round 2' kimchi fried rice when you're done."
Oyster and ceviche platter
$$$, Mexican, Near North Side
"12 oysters and two big tuna ceviches. Unbelievably fresh and delicious, with outrageously good sauces."
Chicharrones
$$, Outdoor Seating, Mexican, Near North Side
"These are the real deal. It's got that nice, thick, satisfying crunch of a traditional chicharron that you don't often get with the ultra light modernist versions—plus that delicious red Tamazula hot sauce and a sprinkle of cheese, onion, cilantro and lime."
"Chocolate City" growler
$, Coffee Shop, Tea Room, Lounge, Smith Park
"Otherworldly iced coffee from these masters of their universe, made with Dark Matter Coffee. Editor's note: the growler is $18 new, $13 for a refill."
Croissant
$$, Café, Bakery, American, Breakfast, Logan Square
"This guy is doing truly remarkable things with laminated doughs. The impossibly flaky croissant is crispy, tender, buttery and complex. Not to mention absolutely gorgeous."
At My Venues
Seasonal vegetables
$$, Wine Bar, American, New American, Humboldt Park
"Rootstook has always been a go-to for late night bites and a great glass of wine. Now with Chef Simmons at the helm, the food at this cozy wine bar has been taken to a new level. Obviously the burger is fantastic, but his "raw" no fuss approach to seasonal vegetables is extraordinary, whether it be his roasted carrots with pickled turmeric or his grilled in-shell fava beans with preserved lemon."
Grassfed burger
$$, Wine Bar, American, New American, Humboldt Park
"You can taste the quality of the meat they use. Bacon aioli, Werp lettuce, a side of fries, and a beer, and you're good."
Charcuterie platter
$$, Wine Bar, American, New American, Humboldt Park
"The nicest way to start a night out is with this tiny wine bar's selection of cheeses, charcuterie, and of course, wine. Make sure to try the pig's ear terrine, rabbit rillette, and tangy Sofia goat cheese."
Hanger steak
$$, Wine Bar, American, New American, Humboldt Park
"Chef Duncan has a musical, balanced, assured way with everything he cooks, including this protein that he likes to feature in different preparations. All his steak dishes (and I've had several) hit all five tastes in this kind of harmony that's pretty, satisfying, and light, while not being precious at all."
Charcuterie platter
$$, Wine Bar, American, New American, Humboldt Park
"Housemade rabbit rillettes, chicken liver mousse, Benton's country ham, proscuitto and bresaola. But what really sets the dish apart is the housemade pickles, lavender-scented honeyed pecans and mustards. All that, and carefully chosen wines served by a knowledgeable staff. This is by far my favorite wine bar in the city."
